Kgothatso Madisa

Profile: Achmat Hassiem

Swimmer

Hassiem lost his foot after he was bitten by a shark at the Muizenberg beach in Cape Town in 2006. He was bitten by a shark after distracting it from going for his brother but has said that he does not regret saving his brother nor feel sorry for himself.

“People say sorry, but the rewards that have come are amazing. Losing a leg is nothing compared to losing a brother."

The 30 year-old will be competing in his second Paralympics Games after having successful swims at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics.

He is currently ranked in the world’s top 10 in swimming and will be aiming at winning a few medals at the games.

He has been at the 2010 World Championships and has also swam to Robben Island.

Name: Achmat Hassiem

Born: May 6, 1982

Place of Birth: Cape Town

Events: 50m, 100, 400m freestyle, 100m backstroke and 100m butterfly.

Club: Cape Dolphins